Written by: Elizabeth Leo ’23
The overwhelming task of deciding what to pack has begun! I tend to be an overpacker when it comes to a weekend stay, so this has been quite the challenge for me. I was sure to purchase the essentials a few weeks in advance, such as the correct outlets and locks for my luggage— Lots of things I had never thought of until the Pre-Departure Meeting! Professor Lokos gave me great advice: don’t pack too much because you are going to want to bring back lots of souvenirs! Shopping is my weakness, and I am ready to see what Spanish stores have to offer. As this Saturday approaches, I am starting to get more and more excited. I finally finished all of my finals today, so all my sights are set on packing and getting organized for the big day. A few of the other students that I am traveling to Spain with will be on the same plane as I am, so we have started to plan when we are going to arrive at the airport. There has been a lot of paperwork that we have had to get squared away ahead of time, so I have been checking my bases constantly. Luckily my parents have been very helpful along the way, and my dad especially is great with providing travel information and organization. It has been a little bit difficult to unpack my dorm room while simultaneously packing for a month-long trip! But, it has also allowed me to lay out all of my things and decide what should come with me and what should stay. In the next coming days, I will go to the bank to exchange US dollars for euros. I think that will seal the deal and make this trip feel more real!